There are 13 public beach areas in the city of Destin, Florida and they are all different sizes with different amenities.
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Destin is lucky to have numerous public beach access locations, almost none of which cost money to park at (for now) or cost money to enter. Spanning from Okaloosa Island to the west to the end of Scenic Highway 98 on the east end, there are nearly 20 access locations.
Norriego Point is very popular with the locals due to its close proximity to the Destin Harbor restaurants and activities. One of the most popular ways to visit this location is to rent pontoons or seadoos from various rental companies in the harbor.
Princess BeachThis little-known gem is located on Okaloosa Island just west of the Destin bridge. Princess Beach is one of the more secluded beaches along the Emerald Coast. If you're looking to escape the crowds on other beaches, Princess Beach is the spot for you.
After the sun sets, the beach is a whole new playground!Bring a bucket and some red flashlights (the red light protects local sea turtles) and search for ghost crabs scurrying across the sand.
Destin is known as the World's Luckiest Fishing Village. The city houses the largest and most elaborately equipped fishing fleet in the State of Florida. In addition to fishing, recreational opportunities include golf, tennis and water sports, including diving and snorkeling.
Harbor District Parking DetailsBEACH PARKING: Residents without a pass, as well as visitors, will pay a rate of $20 per 4 hours for beach parking. HARBOR DISTRICT PARKING: Residents without a pass, as well as visitors, will pay a flat rate of $15 for all day parking.
Destin will see the highest crowds during the summer and traffic is heavy, especially in the evenings and all day on the weekends. As far as the summer tourists go, the crowd will consist of mostly families with children and there will be no shortage of activities and events aimed towards them.
Miramar Beach, FloridaThere are nine public beach access points in Miramar Beach that are within walking distance of Pompano Joe's, The Crab Trap, and Surf Hut restaurants. The public beach access points have free parking either in small lots or along Scenic Gulf.
The main public beach access is located next to Pompano Joe's Seafood Restaurant and features free parking, restrooms and wash stations. There are also public beaches across from Seascape Resort.
Sand Crabs are your answer! Sand Crabs are usually only out at night and they are ghostly white and can only be spotted with flashlights. They are quick little creatures as well.
After the sun sets, the beach is a whole new playground!Bring a bucket and some red flashlights (the red light protects local sea turtles) and search for ghost crabs scurrying across the sand.
When To Go. Destin is typically a summer destination. Families enjoy coming to the beach during spring, summer, and fall breaks, but it's a little-known secret that fall (September-October) is the best time to come, when the crowds have thinned but the weather-and water-are still warm.
Summer is also the best time to visit Crab Island in Destin. Crab Island will have the most clear water days and comfortable swimming/wading temperatures than any other season. Summer is also when Crab Island will have vendors and tours operating daily.
Furthermore, here in Destin, Florida we have incredibly fine white quartz sand lining our shores making the perfect backdrop for light to penetrate, further exaggerating whatever molecules, phytoplankton or algae are left in the water, bringing out the dominant color.
The lifeguards actively patrol the 7 miles of Destin beaches from March to October of each year. We encourage everyone to swim near a lifeguard and heed their advice on water safety conditions. Rip Current Information provided by the National Weather Service. View the National Weather Service Rip Current Risk Map.
The unique white sand on the beaches of Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A come from small quartz particles from the Appalachian Mountains over 20,000 years ago. The Apalachicola River carried water and these quartz particles to the Gulf of Mexico and still continues to do so today.